Charlene Baroso didn’t expect to start her career the way she did.
She graduated during the height of the pandemic, part of a batch that faced an unexpected disruption—board exams were cancelled, and uncertainty was everywhere. Instead of waiting for things to normalize, she made a decision that would shape her path.
“I was part of the first batch of graduates affected by COVID… and at that time, the board exams were cancelled,” she says.
Rather than pause her plans, she entered the workforce.
That decision turned out to be a defining moment.
Choosing Experience Over Waiting
Starting work early gave Baroso something she didn’t expect—clarity.
“When I started working, I didn’t expect how fulfilling it would feel,” she says.
Applying what she learned in school to real businesses, handling actual records, and seeing how her work contributes to operations gave her a strong sense of purpose.
“I realized that I genuinely enjoy working in the accounting field,” she adds.
When board exams eventually resumed, she found herself at a crossroads. Should she go back and pursue licensure, or continue building her career?
“I had to choose between pursuing licensure or continuing my career,” she says.
She chose experience.
Building a Career Without the Traditional Path
Baroso is aware that in the accounting profession, there can be bias toward those without traditional certifications.
“I’m aware that there can be some level of bias toward professionals without certifications,” she says.
Instead of letting that hold her back, she focused on what she could control—building skills, gaining experience, and proving her value through work.
Over time, she made the deliberate decision to strengthen her credentials by becoming a Certified Bookkeeper, aligning her practical experience with formal recognition.
“Pursuing the accounting technician path became a deliberate decision… to expand my career and strengthen my skills,” she explains.
Growing Through Real Work
Her career progressed steadily, from a staff role to a more senior position.
“My role has evolved… starting from a staff position and progressing to a senior role,” she says.
Being assigned to different projects—many of them new—pushed her to adapt quickly and learn on the job.
Each experience added something new, whether it was technical knowledge, confidence, or the ability to handle more responsibility.
That exposure helped her become more capable in managing tasks independently and contributing more to the team.
Turning Challenges Into Direction
Like many early-career professionals, Baroso faced challenges—especially in finding opportunities without strong credentials at the start.
“One of the biggest challenges was finding a job with good opportunities and pay, especially without certifications,” she admits.
She responded by staying persistent and focusing on improvement.
“I overcame these challenges by staying persistent, focusing on building my skills, and seeking out opportunities where I could prove my capabilities,” she says.
That mindset allowed her to move forward, even without the traditional path others were taking.
Finding Purpose in the Work
What keeps Baroso committed to accounting is simple—she enjoys it.
“I genuinely love what I do,” she says.
For her, the work is not just about completing tasks. It’s about helping clients understand their finances and make better decisions.
“I find great satisfaction in being able to provide clients with exactly what they need… and knowing that my work makes a real impact,” she explains.
That sense of impact is what makes the work meaningful.
Staying Focused Under Pressure
Accounting comes with deadlines and complex projects, but Baroso keeps her approach simple.
“I stay motivated by breaking complex projects into manageable steps,” she says.
She focuses on staying organized and tracking small progress, which helps her stay on track even during high-pressure periods.
Growing and Helping Others
As she gained experience, Baroso also began guiding others in the field.
“I mentor by sharing my experience and guiding colleagues through processes,” she says.
She believes that helping others build confidence and skills is part of growing as a professional.
At the same time, she continues to challenge herself by taking on new projects and learning from both colleagues and mentors.
“I stay curious and seek out new challenges,” she says.
A Career Built on Decisions
Looking back, Baroso’s career was shaped by a few key decisions—starting work early, choosing experience over waiting, and continuing to improve despite challenges.
Her journey shows that there is more than one path in accounting.
For her, the most fulfilling part is clear.
“Knowing that my work directly supports clients and helps them make informed decisions,” she says.
Sometimes, the path you didn’t plan becomes the one that works best—especially when you choose to keep moving forward.
